I had a second degree tear and an episiotomy. All was going fine with it, week 3 got an infection, now I still can't do a number 2 without it tearing am still on antibiotics and will have to carry on for a while. No sign of it healing, if it doesn't by my 6 week check have to go every day to get them packed.

There's not much you can do, I have salt baths with lavender and tea tree every night. Doctor has just said all I can do is keep on antobiotics, keep with the baths and change my pads regularly.

awww hun thats terrible, you poor thing, i hope it starts to get better for you soon!!!

hey girls, im joining the club. had an epesiotomy on mon, so far i think its healing ok but is very sore and bruised.
started on the salt baths today now im home but all the shops are sold out of salt here cos of the snow.

yeah ... its crazy isnt it, can u get hold of some lavender?

I popped a couple of stitches from my episiotomy, and that was pretty painful, can only imagine what the infection is like - ouchie! Hope you've got antibiotics for it.

I found that the stitches that stayed intact were feeling a lot better after a week or so, but with the popped ones the whole area took 2-3 weeks to feel pretty much healed. My scar is still a little tender from time to time though, and other mums I know say they occasionally get a little pain some months down the line. Why don't they tell you this before you get pregnant?!

They say not to use salt in baths now, as it makes your skin really dry. Lavender oil is best. Also my mw gave me some great tips for keeping the area clean, especially if like me your stitches interfered with wiping (sorry tmi), and I also got diarrhoea from the antibiotics, which didn't help! After using the loo, rinse yourself under the shower and dry yourself with a hairdryer. Keeping it clean and dry will help avoid further infection and promote healing.

By the way if you are on antibiotics and get diarrhoea, try taking them just before a meal with an entire glass of water - it worked for me.

Another tip to aid healing- pop some pads in the freezer for a few mins, put some witch hazel on them and wear in your knickers for relief x

I tried this this afternoon, it was the nicest feeling. I can't believe my doctor didn't tell me about putting one in the freezer, its just lovely!

You all have my sympathy! I felt better after 7 weeks (had some open stitches and infection - got antibiotics at 6 weeks).
It is so painful, and the worst thing was not knowing when it would stop, but honestly once you notice a slight improvement, it very quickly heals up.
Lavender baths were great, as was lying on my side with cushions between my legs!

I have to give credit to my mw for that one! But yeah, it really does soothe, glad you found it helpful

I took Arnica and found it helped reduce the soreness. Have to say I wasn't prepared for how sore my bits would be!